National Election result paves new way for housing growth

Abstract

22 May 2022 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

As Federal Election results unfold there are likely and welcome changes to the national approach to housing in Australia.

Executive Director Fiona Caniglia says, “Q Shelter has called for a nationally coordinated approach to housing supply and affordability. We will be working hard with National Shelter to ensure the proposed National Housing Supply and Affordability Council delivers an integrated and coordinated approach to supply that meets population demand.

“It will also be vital to ensure investment in social and affordable housing products as well as targeted strategies for specific population groups that are vulnerable.”

Community housing providers are front and centre to future success. “The Queensland community housing sector delivers high quality housing solutions across the whole State.  Federal investment can be leveraged to achieve significant growth through providers who are already developing growth plans and partnering the State to grow housing supply under programs funded in the last State Budget,” says Ms Caniglia.

This new policy landscape comes at a time when the housing crisis is impacting more and more Queenslanders. “Q Shelter has taken more calls than ever from people desperately seeking a home. We know the service system is under more pressure than ever. Sector leaders describe persistent efforts to find emergency options including temporary hotels and motels for struggling families without success.” Anglicare’s Rental Affordability Snapshot shows almost zero affordable housing options for single people on minimum wages or people relying on the Disability Support Pension, and REIQ posts record-low vacancy rates. National Government commitment to leadership on housing supply has never been more important.

“We are seeing a sector and workforce under more pressure than ever before. We need to be focussed on removing every obstacle to success in delivering more housing supply across every point on the housing spectrum,” says Ms Caniglia.

Q Shelter has made a budget submission to the State Government, flagging a range of solutions which could be considered in the next State Budget, including a call for better planning, a strong community housing sector, rental reforms and supports for vulnerable groups. Read the submission here

Regional areas such as South Burnett and Townsville are also gearing up to identify regional actions to address the crisis. Q Shelter is working with more and more regions focussed on ensuring that investment from all levels of Government, private sector partnerships and an optimal role for the community housing sector all come together to ensure regionally sensitive solutions. “Regional networks are working harder than ever in partnership with Q Shelter to build local plans to address housing need”.

ENDS

Media opportunities for comment by Q Shelter Executive Director, Fiona Caniglia.
Q Shelter Media Contact: Michelle Saftich – Phone 3831 5103